When producing a documentary, certain moments and pieces of dialogue inevitably leave a lasting impression on the creators. These snippets often become guiding principles throughout the long journey of filmmaking. Capitalizing on this human need for connection, a short documentary series titled Connecting on Campus: Stories of Courage, Curiosity, and Empathy was produced for the Greater Good Science Center, with production assistance from Anaconda Street Productions. The series focuses on university students across the United States who attempt to bridge deep divides caused by differing life experiences, political views, and visions of the future.
Exploring Visions of America at Iliff School of Theology
At the Iliff School of Theology, master’s and Ph.D. students articulate their personal visions of the United States. As they listen to one another, they find points of alignment and divergence. This exercise demonstrates how empathy can sustain relationships even when participants strongly disagree with each other on fundamental topics.
The Social Justice Alliance at Bowie State and Maryland
A two-part segment follows students from Bowie State University and the University of Maryland during an event hosted by the Social Justice Alliance. This organization represents a pioneering collaboration between a historically Black college or university and a predominantly white institution. The Alliance was established by Dawn Collins and Richard Collins Jr. following the tragic 2017 murder of their son, Lt. Richard Collins III, on the Maryland campus, with the goal of eradicating intolerance and systemic hate.
An Unlikely Friendship at Dickinson College
At Dickinson College, the student presidents of the campus Republican and Democrat clubs formed an unexpected friendship. Their regular gatherings allowed members from both political factions to discuss contentious political topics in a collaborative and respectful environment, proving that political affiliations do not preclude personal connection.
The Importance of Individual Voices and Action
Dawn Collins articulates a central theme of the series by stating that every voice matters and everyone has a part to play in combating systems of hate and violence. Her words serve as an anchor for the documentary's core message: students possess the agency and responsibility to understand their differences and build collaborative futures together.
Small Choices That Lead to Meaningful Connections
The documentary highlights how everyday choices shape interpersonal relationships. In the Dickinson College episode, Ryan Thies recounts meeting Matthew Craig, who was dressed as Donald Trump at a Halloween party. Instead of walking away, Ryan chose to engage, leading to a friendship and eventual rooming arrangement that challenged their initial assumptions.
Bridging Differences Without Erasing Them
A key takeaway from the series is that bridging divides does not require the complete elimination of differences or forced consensus. Students across the four featured institutions learn how to maintain their core beliefs while developing the trust, curiosity, and courage necessary to remain connected across ideological boundaries.
Productive Disagreement and Intellectual Growth
At Iliff, students Lindsay Ambler and Stephanie Nelson model respectful disagreement. When Lindsay shares a vulnerable personal narrative regarding her negative experiences with religious institutions, it opens the door for a broader dialogue. Stephanie's contrasting perspective challenges Lindsay, yet rather than disrupting the environment, it encourages deeper engagement and gratitude from participants.
Character Tested Through Discomfort
The series emphasizes that virtues like courage and humility are truly tested when individuals encounter opposing viewpoints. Josh Perez, a Ph.D. student and teaching assistant at Iliff, exemplifies this by grounding himself in his second-generation Mexican American heritage while remaining open to the struggles of others.
Curiosity and Humility as Tools for Understanding
For audiences fatigued by polarized public discourse, the documentary offers a refreshing alternative by showing genuine human interaction. Participants like Logan Midler from the University of Maryland demonstrate the power of acknowledging one's own limited exposure to diverse backgrounds and stepping forward to listen and learn.
As academic institutions face ongoing challenges such as funding cuts and censorship threats, the series underscores the vital importance of preserving spaces where students can practice the art of human connection.
